NL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week

This is our weekly look at National League free agents. We have two goals for this article: 

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.

2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them. 

This year, we are again using grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats. 

The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and role on an A-E scale. Cody Bellinger would have been an "A" grade player last year -- that mark will be reserved for similar high-impact prospects stepping into an everyday role.

As always, if there is a player that was not discussed in the article that you would like to know about, feel free to ask about the player in the comments.

STARTING PITCHER

Tyler Beede, Giants: Beede matched Jacob deGrom pitch-for-pitch Friday night in tossing eight scoreless innings against the Mets. He has now allowed three or fewer runs in five of his last six outings, lowering his ERA from 6.67 to 4.70. Beede's success is partially due to his increased reliance on his fastball, which is up two MPH from last season. If his secondary pitches – curveball and changeup – can become solid, he has a change to maintain and build off his current success. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11

Erick Fedde/Austin Voth, Nationals: Fedde was called up to start Wednesday with Max Scherzer (back) on the shelf and the Nationals looking to move Stephen Strasburg back a day. Prior to his Wednesday outing, Fedde owned a 3.79 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 22:19 K:BB in 40.1 innings. He allowed one run on five hits while striking out two in six innings against the Orioles. Either he or Voth - who gave up one run on four hits and a walk while striking out four over six innings Tuesday - will remain in the rotation with the Nationals not having an off-day until Aug. 1. And Voth, who was to start Sunday, is dealing with shoulder soreness so Joe Ross could get the call instead. Fedde - 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3; Voth - 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4

Walker Lockett, Mets: Lockett started Saturday in place of the injured Zack Wheeler (shoulder), notching his first major-league victory by allowing a run on five hits with three strikeouts in five innings against the Giants. This effort was much improved over his first two starts with the Mets, where he allowed 10 runs across 7.2 innings. Lockett posted a 3.92 ERA in six starts and 39 innings for Triple-A Syracuse, though with just 21 strikeouts. If Wheeler is moved at the trade deadline, Lockett is a candidate to replace him in the Mets' rotation. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Conner Menez, Giants: Menez was promoted to start Sunday against the Mets, replacing Drew Pomeranz in the Giants' rotation. He managed a 3.13 ERA in 95 innings at Double-A Richmond and Triple-A Sacramento, striking out an excellent 31.8 percent of opposing batters while walking a respectable 9.3 percent. Menez's ERA at Double-A was more than a run better than at Triple-A, but he did excel with a 53:16 K:BB ratio in 35.1 at the higher level. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Alec Mills, Cubs: Mills, promoted last week to replace Cole Hamels (oblique) in the Cubs' rotation, is getting a second turn this week. He compiled a 4.73 ERA in 80 innings at Triple-A Iowa, while giving up three runs on five hits and a walk over six innings while striking out six in his first outing. Chicago could have gone with a four-man rotation given their upcoming days off, but opted to give Mills another start Monday against the Giants. Hamels may not be sidelined much longer, meaning that Mills' staying power in the rotation may be limited. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $4 

Drew Smyly, Phillies: Smyly, released by the Rangers in late June, subsequently signed a minor-league deal with Brewers. He opted out of that deal Thursday and was inked to a major-league deal by the Phillies. Smyly, who underwent Tommy John surgery in June of 2017, returned to action this season with Texas. And in 13 games with the Rangers, Smyly posted an 8.42 ERA, 1.91 WHIP and 52:34 K:BB. He slotted into the Philly rotation on Sunday. 12-team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Alex Young, Diamondbacks: Young, called up three weeks ago to replace Luke Weaver (forearm) despite posting a 6.09 ERA in 20 appearances with Triple-A Reno, has excelled since coming up to the majors. In three starts for Arizona, Young is 3-0 with a 0.96 ERA, 0.48 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB through 18.2 innings. In his eight starts for Reno, the 2015 second-round pick posted a 2-3 record with a 5.79 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 32.2 innings. He has benefitted from a .087 BABIP and has impressed a 3.85 FIP, so expect a major regression to occur. But Young should remain in the D-Backs rotation until Weaver returns. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Injury activations/updates

Taylor Clarke, Diamondbacks: Clarke, out since Jun. 2 with left back inflammation, was activated to start Friday against the Brewers. He lasted only 3.2 innings while surrendering four earned runs but will remain in the rotation for at least one more turn. Clarke allowed three hits, no walks and struck out three over 70 pitches in six scoreless innings in a rehab start for High-A Visalia last Saturday to earn the call up. Prior to Friday's start, he recorded a 6.21 ERA over 10 appearances including nine starts - so use him at your own risk. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4

Kevin Gausman, Braves: Gausman, out since Jun. 11 with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, allowed two earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out 10 over six innings in what was his third and final rehab start at Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday. He was activated to start Sunday against Washington to supplant Kyle Wright, who was called up with Max Fried (blister) on the IL but was hit hard Thursday and demoted Friday. Prior to being sidelined, Gausman went 2-5 with a 6.21 ERA and 1.51 WHIP but he did boast a 64:24 K:BB in 62.1 innings. After coming over from Baltimore to Atlanta, he registered a 2.87 ERA and 1.14 WHIP despite fanning just 44 in 59.2 innings. Gausman was solid in his three rehab starts, which provides some hope he might regain the form he showed when he first arrived in Atlanta. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

Gio Gonzalez, Brewers: Gonzalez, sidelined since his May 27 start with a dead arm, returned from the injured list to start Saturday in Arizona and allowed three runs on five hits and a pair of walks while striking out one over 73 pitches in four innings. He made a pair of rehab appearances, allowing a combined three runs on nine hits in 6.2 innings of work while striking out six and walking none. Milwaukee must have felt Gonzalez built up enough arm strength to activate him Saturday, as he replaces Adrian Houser in the Milwaukee rotation. 12-team Mixed: $2, 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 (upped return bid) 

Rich Hill, Dodgers: Hill, sidelined since Jun. 20 with a strained flexor tendon, gets another mention this week as he made 25 throws from 45 feet Thursday and reported no issues afterwards. He is expected to extend his throwing out to 60 feet over the next two weeks before ramping things up. If all goes well, Hill is hoping to return sometime in September, providing a boost to those teams that have playoffs or those in contention in standard roto leagues. If your league offers an option roster or IL space, you could do worse than stashing Hill and hoping based on his numbers when healthy. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7 (same early spec return bid)

Alex Wood, Reds: Wood's return from back spasms that has sidelined him since Mar. 28 has proved incredibly slow. But he is in the midst of his rehab stints, and tossed two scoreless innings Wednesday for Triple-A Louisville. Wood was to throw four innings or 60-65 pitches, but only went two innings and 38 pitches. He had made a pair of rehab appearances prior to Wednesday, allowing four runs - including three earned - in 3.1 innings. Wood will throw a bullpen session Saturday before making another rehab start for Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday and is slated to go 75-80 pitches. He is probably still about a month away from rejoining the Reds, at which point he should slide into the starting rotation. It's possible Wood works out of the bullpen, based on the time he missed and if he is stretched out in the minors. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same early spec return bid, to be upped as he gets closer and if he is to start)

RELIEF PITCHER 

Michel Baez, Padres – Last week, it was Andres Munoz who was promoted from Triple-A El Paso. Saturday, Adrian Morejon got the call and Baez looks to be next in line this week. Baez, who used to be a starter, worked exclusively in relief this season for Double-A Amarillo. He posted a 2.00 ERA and 1.22 WHIP while racking up 38 strikeouts along with 11 walks and holding opponents to a .216 average across 27 innings. San Diego might use Baez as a multi-inning weapon, lengthening their bullpen while taking pressure off their young starting staff. 12 team Mixed: $0, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (strikeout potential)

Adrian Morejon, Padres – Morejon, who was promoted Saturday, is technically a starter but has been used as an opener this year at Double-A Amarillo. He's been the first pitcher for his team in all 16 of his appearances, but hasn't been asked to pitch more than three innings since mid-April and has only gone longer than two innings once during that stretch. This will be the role he fills Sunday, as he'll start and then turn the ball over to Cal Quantrill. He sits in the mid-90s with his fastball while sporting secondaries of a changeup and curveball with plus potential, but has dealt with injuries that have restricted his development. Morejon posted a 4.25 ERA with 44 punchouts through 36 innings and the hope is he still will be a starter in the long-term, although the bullpen could be where he lands based on his usage this year. 12 team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $4

CATCHER

Juan Graterol/Ryan Lavarnway, Reds: Graterol was promoted Wednesday with Curt Casali (knee) landing on the 10-day injured list and slated to miss three-to-four weeks, joining Tucker Barnhart (oblique). In addition, Kyle Farmer left that day's game with a possible concussion and was also placed on the IL. Graterol looks like the Reds' starting catcher for the short-term, sharing time with newly-signed Lavarnway. Just don't expect much from the former offensively, as Lavarnway launched a pair of home runs in his start Friday. Graterol - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3; Lavarnway - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $0

Martin Maldonado, Cubs: Chicago acquired Maldonado to provide catching depth with Willson Contreras (foot) making the 10-day IL. Contreras may only miss the minimum, but there is a possibility he could miss up to two-to-six weeks. Victor Caratini should also see an uptick in playing time but Maldonado, who provides excellent defense behind the plate, should start most of the games Contreras misses. He slashed .224/.288/.359 with six homers and 17 RBI over 73 games for the Royals this season. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5

Injury activations/updates

Blake Swihart, Diamondbacks: Swihart, on the injured list since Jun. 1 with a strained right oblique, kicked off a rehab assignment Thursday at High-A Visalia. He struggled the first few weeks of the season before getting designated for assignment by Boston. Swihart's fortunes didn't improve after coming to Arizona, though he did see playing time in left and right field in addition to behind the plate. He should be back by the end of the week, resuming his role as a spot starter and pinch-hitter. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $3 

FIRST BASE

Matt Beaty, Dodgers: Beaty was called up Monday to replace Chris Taylor, who landed on the injured list with a broken left forearm. In his prior major-league stints this season, Beaty pieced together a .278/.297/.407 slash line with two homers and 17 RBI in 37 games this season for the Dodgers. He could see some time at first base and has experience playing the hot corner in the minors, but is likely destined for backup duty for now. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $5

Ryan McMahon, Rockies: McMahon has taken off since the calendar turned to July. Through June 30, he was batting .248 with a .719 OPS. But in July, McMahon has slashed .350/.381/.650 with two home runs, seven RBI and seven runs scored to up his season average to .263. He is fairly entrenched as the Rockies' starting second baseman, but will cede some starts to Garrett Hampson when a southpaw is on the mound. In addition, McMahon also qualifies at first and is also two games away from earning that designation at the hot corner. 12-team Mixed: $15; 15-team Mixed: $25; 12-team NL: Owned

Christian Walker, Diamondbacks: Walker started the season on fire, but lagged for a bit. But once July came around, he found his stroke again. Over 11 games this month, Walker is 11-for-38 with five home runs, 13 runs scored, 11 RBI and a 10:9 K:BB ratio. The return of Wilmer Flores won't impact Walker's playing time much, if at all. Flores "will get every lefty", meaning Eduardo Escobar would slide to third base. When a right-hander's on the mound, Escobar will likely play second base while Jake Lamb handles third base. That leaves Walker as the team's primary first baseman 12-team Mixed: $12; 15-team Mixed: $22; 12-team NL: Owned

Injury activations/updates

Wilmer Flores, Diamondbacks: Flores, who fractured his right foot and hasn't played in the majors since May 19, was activated Thursday after completing a six-game rehab assignment during which he went 11-for-22 with four doubles, five RBI and a 2:2 BB:K. He signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Diamondbacks in January, with the deal including a $6 million team option - and $500,000 buyout - for 2020. A poor start to the year landed Flores on the bench, but he heated up at the plate just before he was sidelined after getting hit by a pitch. Manager Torey Lovullo said Flores "will get every lefty", meaning Eduardo Escobar would slide to third base. When a right-hander's on the mound, Escobar will likely play second base while Jake Lamb handles third base. That leaves Christian Walker as the team's primary first baseman. 12-team Mixed: $1, 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

SECOND BASE

Robel Garcia, Cubs: Garcia, who was promoted from Triple-A Iowa a little over two weeks ago to provide Chicago infield depth, has taken advantage of the opportunity. He is, at a minimum, alternating starts with Addison Russell at second base. Following five seasons in Italy, Garcia slashed 285/.364/.594 in 72 games between the two levels along with 14 doubles, 21 home runs and 58 RBI in his first year back in the States. Through his first nine big-league games, the 26-year-old has registered a .348/.385/.913 line with six extra-base hits - including three home runs. Garcia played four other positions between Double-A and Triple-A before his promotion, which should afford him the chance to see time elsewhere and remain in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9 

Luis Urias, Padres – Urias, profiled last month, gets another mention as he finally got the call back to the majors. He struggled with the Padres earlier this season, slashing .083/.241/.125 over 11 games but raked when first sent to the minors. Despite slumping after his red-hot first 40 games, Urias hit 19 home runs and drove in 50 runs while posting a .315/.398/.600 slash line in 73 games at Triple-A El Paso. He displayed increased power in Triple-A last year, though that came at the expense of a higher strikeout rate that carried over into this season - although he has improved his walk rate. Look for the Padres to try Urias as their everyday second baseman while Greg Garcia and Ian Kinsler move into utility roles. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9

THIRD BASE

J.D. Davis, Mets: Davis made his fourth start in five games Saturday, including his third in left field over that stretch. He has notched hits in each of those four starts and looked solid the last 30 days by posting a .338/.378/.506 with three home runs and nine runs driven in, raising his overall marks to .287/.348/.457 with nine home runs and 26 RBI. If Todd Frazier is moved at the trade deadline as has been rumored, Davis - who qualifies at third base and in the outfield - could be the main beneficiary by picking up most of the at-bats at the hot corner. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14 (up if think Frazier will get dealt) 

Tommy Edman/Yairo Munoz, Cardinals: Edman, who has been profiled several times within the past month, gets another mention as he and Munoz are once again filling in at third base for St. Louis while Matt Carpenter (foot) is back on the injured list. The switch-hitting Edman has been almost dead even against righties and lefties so far, while Munoz is slightly better against southpaws for his career. Look for Edman, who now also qualifies at third in addition to second base and has impressed in July by boosting his slash line to .275/.301/.513 through his first 29 big-league games, to see most of the action at the hot corner and Munoz backing up. Once Carpenter returns to action, Edman and Munoz will return to their utility roles but Edman could continue to take time away from Kolten Wong at second base. Edman - 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $9; 12-team NL: $14; Munoz - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Pablo Sandoval, Giants: Evan Longoria landed on the 10-day injured list Monday due to a flareup of plantar fasciitis in his right foot, opening the door for Sandoval to play nearly every day at third base for the Giants. Sandoval had wrested playing time a little while ago from Longoria, who had gotten hot recently to regain/retain his starting job. Longoria could miss anywhere from two-to-four weeks, affording Big Panda a solid stretch of playing time. Donovan Solano and Austin Slater linger as potential backup options at third, but both profile better defensively in the middle infield and outfield, so look for Sandoval's name in the lineup almost daily. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team NL: $11 

Injury activations/updates

Martin Prado, Marlins: Stop me if you heard this one before, but Prado worked his way back from another injury. This has become his stock status, as he'd been limited to just 142 games the past three seasons due to a variety of ailments. Prado's recent hamstring injury sidelined him Jun. 12 and he finally kicked off a rehab assignment with High-A Jupiter on Jul. 10. He was activated Thursday and should back up both corner infield spots. 12-team Mixed: No, 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

SHORTSTOP 

Yadiel Rivera, Marlins – Miguel Rojas left Saturday's game with a strained right shoulder. If he is sidelined for any length of time, Rivera will likely start nearly every game at shortstop with JT Riddle on the injured list. Just don't expect much offensively from him. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team NL: $3

OUTFIELD

Lewis Brinson/Cesar Puello, Marlins: Puello looks to be the starter in center field with JT Riddle landing on the IL on Thursday. Since being acquired from the Angels a month ago, he's slashed .184/.286/.204 with a 26.8 percent strikeout rate prior to Thursday's contest. Puello went 2-for-4 with a run scored in that game and will need to hit to hold the job, as the Marlins could call up Brinson from Triple-A New Orleans after putting together a solid campaign in the minors or if Puello is unable to get the job done. Brinson continues to struggle with strikeouts and owns an absurdly low contact rate, but he could be given another shot in the major based on posting double figures in home runs and steals. Brinson - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5; Puello - 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $4; 12-team NL: $7

Adam Haseley/Roman Quinn/Nick Williams, Phillies: Jay Bruce strained his oblique Tuesday, landing him on the injured list and creating a hole in left field for the Phillies to be filled by Haseley, Quinn and Williams. Haseley, the eighth pick in 2017, was promoted last Saturday for his second stint in the majors. Manager Gabe Kapler suggested Wednesday he's committed to giving Haseley regular at-bats, so he should be first-in-line to step in for Bruce. Quinn, who started the season on the injured list due to an oblique injury and then missed nearly two months after straining his groin, has struggled since his return in mid-June. He brings speed potential to the Phillies' lineup, so look for him to see spot duty - especially as a pinch-runner. Williams is rejoining the Phillies following a 24-game stint in the minors during where he went .340/.402/.639 with six home runs and 14 RBI. He didn't hit during his 50-game stint earlier this season with the parent club, but he enjoyed a solid 2017 and decent 2018 campaigns in Philly. If Scott Kingery plays the infield, Williams could start in left and Haseley - as was the case Wednesday - or Quinn would man center field. If taking a flyer on one, go with Haseley as he will get the first chance to run with the job, followed by Wiliams and Quinn. Haseley - 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team NL: $9; Quinn - 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $0; 12-team NL: $4; Williams - 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 

Manuel Margot, Padres: Margot has taken advantage of the additional playing time he has received in July by blasting three home runs and stealing a pair of bases while also scoring 13 runs. Wil Myers' slump has opened the door for Margot to play more and he is making the most of that chance. One additional point in his favor is that his walk rate, which has proven a major issue during his career, has improved this season and helps his chance of staying in the lineup. 12-team Mixed: $7; 15-team Mixed: $14; 12-team NL: $22 (though he should be owned in all NL only format, but gets a bump in value)

Injury activations/updates

Ender Inciarte, Braves: Inciarte, out since May 15 with a lower-back strain, was activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday. He went 8-for-45 in 12 games between High-, Double- and Triple-A, recently advancing to playing nine innings in the outfield to prove he is now fully healthy. Inciarte had served as the Braves' primary center fielder prior to getting shut down, but his slump before the injury coupled with the play of Austin Riley since his promotion, means he is likely to transition into a fourth-outfielder role despite Riley's recent struggles. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same as prior)

Brandon Nimmo, Mets: Nimmo, sidelined since May 21 with a bulging disk in his neck suffered when he crashed into the wall in April, was shut down from all baseball activities for a month on Jun. 18. He began playing catch and ramping up his running, slightly beating that month timeframe. Nimmo, a potential stash candidate, progressed this week to baseball activities including throwing and hitting off a tee. He still will need to clear several more hurdles on his rehab and experience no setbacks before being sent for a lengthy rehab assignment, but he has at least taken a step forward. If all goes well, Nimmo - who was suffering through a nightmarish campaign after being a revelation last season - could be activated in early-to-mid August. When activated, look for him to see action at all three outfield spots. 12-team Mixed: $0; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team NL: $5 (same early spec return bid)